MaxTalks

Over the weekend, the two people responsible for my genetic code (parents) came to town. Were they here to visit me? Unlikely. Their true motivation was to see the Grateful Dead’s spinoff band “Dead & Company” that includes a mix of original band members and new players like John Mayer and Oteil Burbridge. And I got to see them!

Getting out of the Uber, I found myself surrounded by tie-dye, tokes, and teddy bears. Hippies of every age wearing long hair and lightning bolts formed a procession to the concert. At one point I heard someone say, “Now that I’m not tripping, all I can think about is chicken tendies”. This is the Grateful Dead fanbase. Their music has been described in many ways, but I like to call it “acid rock”, both for its psychedelic sonic experience and because half the crowd is on acid at their shows.

The concert was held in the seventh circle of hell also known as Fenway Park, although instead of being in the stands, this time I got to stand on the field for 3 hours just like the Red Sox do every other night. The show was incredible. John Mayer, despite his well-earned scorn from Taylor Swift listeners, shredded on the guitar. The original Grateful Dead members put on an amazing performance even in their old age – the band started in 1965 so if you do the math that puts them each at around 127 years-old.

My favorite part of the show was the fans. Everyone seemed easy-going and unashamed to dance in goofy ways. It’s what made me comfortable enough to debut dance moves like “the ladder climb”, “the fisherman” and “the type writer”. In all the concerts I’ve been to, I’ve been surrounded by people my age or younger. This was the first time I saw people with grandkids rocking out. I should’ve already known that existed, but seeing it with my own eyes was inspiring. It gives me the confidence to say I will keep going to see live music for the rest of my life.